ISSN 2167-0447
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Problems associated with pesticide usage and application in Nigerian cocoa production: A review
E. U. Asogwa* and L. N. Dongo
Crop Protection Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Accepted 07 December, 2019
Abstract
The use of pesticides for effective pests control has generated a lot of concerns relating to public health and environmental pollution. With the new European Union (EU) Legislation on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) allowed on cocoa beans and its products, efforts are now intensified to seek measures towards its reduction. The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) has the mandate to screen and recommend potential cocoa pesticides and spraying equipment in Nigeria. The Institute has screened and recommended many of these pesticides and equipment in the past. However, with the new EU Legislation on MRLs allowed on cocoa beans and products, some of the pesticides still undergoing screening and the previously recommended pesticides were banned. This new regulation, which came into effect September 1, 2008, has left very few pesticides for use on cocoa both on farm and post farm activities in Nigeria.
Key words: Pests, residue, legislation, equipment, environment, hazard, pollution.